Serving Up Solutions: St. Mary’s County Celebrates 54 Years Of Senior Nutrition And Connection

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — With a lighthearted joke about not needing nutrition advice, President of the Commissioners, Randy Guy, signed a proclamation Tuesday recognizing a program that delivers far more than meals to hundreds of older adults across St. Mary’s County.

During the March 3 commissioners meeting, Guy formally declared March 2026 as the 54th anniversary of the St. Mary’s County National Senior Nutrition Program, citing its longstanding role in supporting older residents through healthy food, education and connection.

“Whereas each year, in March, the Administration for Community Living celebrates the anniversary of the National Senior Nutrition Program,” Guy read, noting that this year’s theme, “Serving Up Solutions,” recognizes how local senior nutrition programs continue to adapt to improve access to healthy foods, nutrition education and social opportunities.

The proclamation highlighted the work of the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services, which promotes healthy eating practices and supports the physical, emotional and social well-being of older adults through congregate and home-delivered meals and nutrition education seminars.

In fiscal year 2025, the department provided 54,173 home-delivered meals to 375 individuals and 26,400 congregate meals to 1,199 individuals, according to the proclamation.

“Now, therefore, we, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as the 54th anniversary of the National Senior Nutrition Program in St. Mary’s County and call upon our residents to recognize older adults and the people who support them through nutrition services as essential contributors to the well-being of our community,” Guy said.

After signing the proclamation, Guy encouraged residents to explore the department’s offerings, mentioning upcoming healthy living programs at the senior centers.

He added that the centers offer more than meals. “They have good guides, not just nutrition, but education and finance, et cetera, that they have wonderful programs to follow up on,” Guy said. Residents can sign up to receive the monthly newsletter and visit the webpage for all the programs available to seniors.

Department staff and volunteers stood alongside commissioners as the proclamation was presented.

Lori Jennings-Harris, director of the Department of Aging and Human Services, emphasized that the program is about more than food. The department provides both home-delivered meals and congregate meals served at its three senior activity centers, she said.

“It’s not just about the nutrition, the food itself, but about the social contact in the centers as well as a friendly face and a visit to people in their homes,” Jennings-Harris said.

Brandy Tully, deputy director of the department, recognized the team behind the program, including food service technicians, the home-delivered meals coordinator, division managers and members of the Food and Nutrition Advisory Committee. She also noted the role of volunteer and paid drivers and the department’s partnership with Culinary Services Group, which prepares the meals.

“All of these people work every day to make our meal program successful,” Tully said. “Thank you, Commissioners, for your recognition and support of the program.”

Candace Nelson, division manager for senior center operations who oversees the nutrition program, echoed that sentiment, noting that many contributors were not present at the meeting but play a vital role in daily operations. She encouraged residents age 50 and older to visit a senior center and experience the program firsthand.

“So, you know, it’s important that we recognize everyone that makes our nutrition program operate on a regular basis,” Nelson said. “I encourage you to check out our senior centers and sign up for lunch if you’re 50 or older and see what it’s all about.”

Guy closed with praise for the value of the meals, recalling his own visits to local centers.

“For $7 — go try to find a meal for $7 anywhere,” he said. “I mean, this is a nutritious meal. … I could afford to donate seven dollars. And really, it’s a good meal. Take advantage of it. You seniors out there.”

About The Department of Aging & Human Services – Division of Senior Center Operations

The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services operates three senior activity centers that serve as hubs for daily programs, special events and the county’s congregate meal program. Through its Division of Senior Center Operations, the department offers a range of affordable programs designed to promote health, fitness, education, socialization and skill development for independent adults 50 and older.

The centers include the Garvey Senior Activity Center, co-located with the Leonardtown Library; the Loffler Senior Activity Center at Chancellor’s Run Park; and the Northern Senior Activity Center on Charlotte Hall Road. All three are open weekdays beginning at 8 a.m., with extended evening hours available Monday through Thursday at the Garvey center. Residents can stay informed about activities through the department’s bimonthly “New Beginning” publication and biweekly e-newsletter.

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